If you’re a Wyoming High School Equivalency Certificate (HSEC) recipient who received your HSEC while residing in Wyoming and attended a Wyoming high school, and you meet the Hathaway Scholarship requirements for HSEC score (GED, TASC, or HiSet) and ACTAmerican College Test (ACT)One of the two national standardized college entrance examinations used in the US. The other is the SAT. The ACT is widely used in the West and Midwest. Most universities require either the ACT or the SAT as part of an application for admission. Learn more about American College Test (ACT) (opens in a new tab) or WorkKeys scoreWorkKeysA job skills assessment system that measures foundational skills required for success in the workplace. Certain Hathaway Provisional Opportunity pathways accept WorkKeys scores in place of or alongside ACT scores.… congratulations! There could be free money for college coming your way through the Hathaway Scholarship.
Based on a combination of the scores above, you’ll be eligible for one of four merit-basedMerit-basedFinancial aid that is merit-based depends on your academic, artistic or athletic merit or some other criteria, and does not depend on the existence of financial need. Merit-based awards use your grades, test scores, hobbies and special talents to determine your eligibility for scholarships. Learn more about Merit-based (opens in a new tab) Hathaway Scholarship tiers:
You can use your Hathaway Scholarship to pursue a certificate, associate’s degreeAssociate’s DegreeThe degree granted by two-year colleges (such as the community colleges in Wyoming)., bachelor’s degreeBachelor’s DegreeThe undergraduate degree granted by four-year colleges and universities (such as University of Wyoming)., or even graduate school at the Wyoming college of your choice.
Of note, you can’t receive the Hathaway Scholarship before your natural graduation date unless:
- You’ve been court-ordered to complete an HSEC.
- You’ve been emancipated.
- You’re the parent or guardian of a minor.
- You’ve identified another good cause, as determined by the Wyoming Department of Education.
Additionally, your Hathaway Scholarship must be initiated within four years of your natural graduation date.
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Get Even More Free Money
If you qualify for a Hathaway Scholarship, make sure you complete the FAFSAFree Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)The standard form students must complete to apply for federal and state need-based assistance/aid programs and, in some circumstances, campus-based assistance/aid. Learn more about Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (opens in a new tab) to calculate your unmet needUnmet NeedThe gap between a Wyoming college’s total cost of attendance and the financial aid a student receives (including Hathaway). Students with unmet need of $2,000 or more may qualify for the Hathaway need-based supplement.: The gap between your chosen Wyoming college’s total cost of attendanceCost of Attendance (COA)Also known as the cost of education or “budget.” The total amount it should cost the student to go to school, including tuition and fees, room and board, allowances for books and supplies, transportation, and personal and incidental expenses. Loan fees, if applicable, may also be included in the COA. Child care and expenses for disabilities may also be included at the discretion of the financial aid administrator. Schools establish different standard budget amounts for students living on-campus and off-campus, married and unmarried students and in-state and out-of-state students. Learn more about Cost of Attendance (COA) (opens in a new tab) and the actual financial aidFinancial AidMoney provided to the student and the family to help them pay for the student’s education or which is conditioned on the student’s attendance at an educational institution. Major forms of financial aid include gift aid (grants and scholarships) and self-help aid (loans and work). Learn more about Financial Aid (opens in a new tab) you receive.
If that number is more than $2,000, the need-basedNeed-BasedFinancial aid that is need-based depends on your financial situation. Most government sources of financial aid are need-based. Learn more about Need-Based (opens in a new tab) supplement to the Hathaway Scholarship can cover up to 25% of your annual unmet need, or 100% if you’re an Honors Scholarship recipient!
Requirements by Scholarship Tier
Pick a tier for a quick look at what it takes. Amounts apply to courses that begin on or after July 1, 2026.
$2,360 per semester*
Honors Scholarship
Max Award Amount
8 full-time semesters
ACT Score
25+
HSEC Score
GED 170 / TASC 600 / HiSET 16
Where you can use it
The University of Wyoming or any Wyoming community college
$1,770 per semester*
Performance Scholarship
Max Award Amount
8 full-time semesters
ACT Score
21+
HSEC Score
GED 164 / TASC 570 / HiSET 14
Where you can use it
The University of Wyoming or any Wyoming community college
$1,180 per semester*
Opportunity Scholarship
Max Award Amount
8 full-time semesters
ACT Score
19+
HSEC Score
GED 157 / TASC 530 / HiSET 12
Where you can use it
The University of Wyoming or any Wyoming community college
$1,180 per semester*
Provisional Scholarship
Max Award Amount
4 full-time semesters**
ACT Score
17
Or score a 12 on WorkKeys
HSEC Score
GED 157 / TASC 530 / HiSET 12
Where you can use it
Must first be used at a Wyoming community college*
- * Provisional Opportunity students who earn an associate’s degree can extend for an additional 4 full-time semesters at UW.